I'm an animal lover (all my children have paws), fitness instructor, and author of intense crime novels. 

Those who know me are  baffled by the dark, violent, and often exceedingly brutal content of my novels. Having been a victim of a rape attempt as a teenager and also having experienced several other terrifying incidents involving human predators, I discovered writing about unthinkable acts was a form of healing and empowerment. 

My female protagonists are thrust into horrific  predicaments. Yet triumph and grow in some way from the experience, regardless of the savagery endured. Hence, the message of my novels: No matter what horrible circumstances life may hurl at you, CHOOSE to survive, learn from them, and be stronger because of them! 

For personal edification over the years, I’ve participated in a variety of self-defense courses and handgunning classes. I own firearms. Even a federally-registered machine gun. 

As the former publisher of "American Gun Review," I’ve had the opportunity to interview (and learn from) experts in self-defense. I’ve been invited to participate in militia meetings and exercises, attend the Solider of Fortune Conference (met G. Gordon Liddy in person), and developed a working relationship with the Salt Lake office of the BATF. 

I’ve interviewed members of law enforcement regarding an array of subjects including bombs and how to escape handcuffs (without a key). And I recently graduated from the West Jordan Citizens Police Academy and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training.

Once I experimented with locking myself in the trunk of my car, then attempted to escape. Everything that could go wrong, did. To make matters worse, I didn’t tell anyone what I was doing. Though I wasn’t laughing at the time, looking back now, that experience could be a story of comedic proportions itself. 

Perhaps now that you know I experiment, you might find yourself wondering: “Do you think she tried that?” The answer might surprise you.